block heater

[jos_mclean]

wondering what everyone uses for block heaters? notice coombs has one, but can't see the location to install it. thinking of using an inline coolant heater due to ease of install, anyone know the hose dimeter? thoughts?

[Big-Bird]

inline heaters are great but there are 2 main different types.

1) Convection type, very common, low cost compared to pump type units. Available at Canadian Tire/corner parts stores. Require the unit to be mounted low in the engine bay so that cold fluid will flow down and warmer fluid can flow up...usually inline to the heater core with the small port units(CT version) or installed at the lower rad hose with the bigger(Red) ported units.

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inline 3 CT version.png (39.67 KiB) Viewed 6104 times

(no pump in that housing, just a big element).

2) Circulating pump type (superior heat up time, pumps fluid actively, can usualy have an internal thermostat so heater burnout can't occur).
The circulating pump type are far superior and more $$$ but they are not as limited position wise in the engine bay.
Here's just one manufacturer's websitehttp://www.enginepreheaters.com/product/ctm

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There is a 3rd option which is more practical if you do remote camping, or you don't have power access is a Diesel heater/Pump system. This is a small heater that is connected to your coolant system and uses the battery of the vehicle to start and run. This system takes fuel from your tank and burns it in a heat exchanger which warms the coolant, it also has a pump system to circulate fluid. Uses very little power and fuel for small units. Will heat an engine from frozen stiff to toasty in about an hour but can also get your coolant warm enough for a start in about 15 minutes from -30C to about low single digit below zero temps. Great for skiers, winter campers. You can also put these on timers so they start and stop only as needed. Wabasto makes them but so do several other outfits.

[jos_mclean]

thanks for the reply, the webesto heater sounds great but a little to expensive. any idea what the rad hose ID size is for an inline heater?

[Big-Bird]

ID of rad hose.....you should measure your own to ensure you get the correct heater.

if you get an OD reading you can estimate the ID based on normal rad hose thicknesses... You could also take a reading of the upper rad hose wall thickness and just subtract from your lower OD reading.

[macro]

I've got a stick on oil pan heater. It's been on there for a few years and it works great for me in Ontario. I had to put it up the side of the pan instead of the bottom but it starts like a hot summers day when I use it.

[Big-Bird]

well if we're gonna put other options there are both magnetic blocks and adhesive/bonded heat pads for the oil pan.

I too use the oil pan heat pad, Works okay but I seldom use it. switching to 0w30 synthetic and having good plugs has been a reliable combo since I can't plug in during the day in winter.

[jos_mclean]

just installed the lower rad hose heater, cheap and easy to install, changed the belts while i was at it. Getting a remote starter installed on tue. will update how everything works once it gets cold. used an 1.25" heater

[Mimic4]

How does a remote start work on a diesel? Can it operate the glow-plugs and wait? Whats the deal?

& Does the L300 not have a dedicated spot for a block heater already? Was it not an Accessory or Option?

[Mr. Flibble]

How does a remote start work on a diesel? Can it operate the glow-plugs and wait? Whats the deal?

& Does the L300 not have a dedicated spot for a block heater already? Was it not an Accessory or Option?

Remote start is common to add to a diesel. It cycles the glow plugs then starts. My wife's Grand Cherokee has it and my friends truck with a big Cummins got an aftermarket add on.

They are not much different from gas remote starts.

[jos_mclean]

got the remote start put in the other day and it is working great with the inline coolant heater. have the heater on a timer for just over an hour and the remote starts it no problem.